Alexander Furniture Academy – Catawba Valley Community College

Skill. Craft. Mastery.

Program Description

The Alexander County Furniture Academy is an industry driven training program designed by local furniture manufacturers and CVCC to prepare students for the skilled positions that are in high demand by some of the largest employers in our area.

Class Dates, Cost and Availability

Program is offered twice a year starting in January and June.

Available Spaces Per Semester:

• 15 Upholstery Craftsman
• 15 Sewing Operators

Cost – $250.00 per semester 

Scholarships Available

Course Description

This course introduces and trains the students in the basic skill level required to become an employable Sewing Operator or Upholstery Craftsman within the furniture industry. The course includes an overview of core concepts such as manufacturing skills training, measurements and math, teamwork and communications and problem solving.

» Alexander Furniture Academy Application (PDF)

What you can expect from the Furniture Academy

Over the 24-week period you will be taught the necessary skills (by an expert Craftsman) needed to start your career within the furniture industry. Choose your path of Sewing Operator or Upholstery Craftsman and experts will teach you the hard skills required for your chosen career. This training will make you a highly desirable candidate for employment with many of the local furniture manufacturers in Alexander County.

Salary Range

$35,000-$60,000 per year for a Upholstery Craftsman

$30,000-$55,000 per year for a Sewing Operator

Furniture Industry Outlook

Furniture manufacturing in North Carolina has a long and storied history. It has provided life long careers for hundreds of thousands of families over many decades in Western North Carolina, dating back to the mid 1800’s.

Working in the furniture industry is not only financially rewarding, but also personally satisfying in that you are part of creating something consumers need and will enjoy using in their homes every day.

There are many jobs in upholstery manufacturing which require a highly skilled craftsman, a person who wants to be part of a team and strives to succeed in their career. Craftsmen take pride in the work they do every day.

The future of the furniture industry is very bright. At one time, there was concern that most of the furniture jobs were moving to Asia. While some case-goods jobs have been lost to overseas manufacturing, the upholstery segment of the industry has not been lost. In fact, it is growing at a very rapid pace, which means there are well paying career opportunities right here in Alexander County.

Alexander Academy – Furniture Showroom

Open to the Public

Need to buy furniture that has great quality at a low cost? The Alexander Furniture Academy has a showroom that is open to the public.  
Monday – Thursday from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The campus is closed of Fridays and institutional holidays. Please call ahead. 
Payments Accepted : Cash, Check or Money Orders. Please bring your own truck, tie downs and help to load your purchased furniture.

List of the average cost of furniture pieces:

• Sofa $350 and up, depending on the style
• Loveseat $250 and up, depending on the style
• chair $175.00 and up, depending on the style

For more information call 828-632-8221.

In the news

Roy Bearden honored with Medal of Excellence at the Furniture Academy Graduation 2021

Founding Sponsors

• Craftmaster Furniture
• Kincaid Furniture
• Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Scholarship Sponsors

• American Home Furnishings Alliance
• Craftmaster Furniture
• Hancock and Moore
• Huntington House
• Kincaid/La-Z-Boy
• Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
• Paladin Industries
• Taylor King Furniture

Contact Information

Eunice Mays
Assistant Director
[email protected]
(828) 632-8221, ext. 331

Monday-Thursday
5:30 PM-8:30 PM

CVCC Alexander Applied Technology Center
230 Industrial Blvd. Taylorsville, NC 28681
(828) 632-8221

To view (PDF) documents, download free Adobe reader at www.adobe.com.